The DMV area’s charm is no big secret; consistently, towns around the District have been acknowledged on both a national and international scale.
For instance, each of the following accolades is proudly claimed by one of the several suburbs in the DMV area:
- One of the beautiful streets in the world
- Best place for families to live in America
- Best neighborhood to live in America
Now, according to real estate experts ranging from northern Maine all the way to the Florida Keys, these three DMV area towns are all considered among the best places to live on the East Coast!
Alexandria, Virginia

Ranked #2 on the list, Alexandria received a lot of love for its charm, location in relation to a major city, and infrastructure.
The rankings went on to describe it as a marriage between charm and convenience, with its own historic old town and walkable downtown area, while still offering amenities like the D.C. Metro that connect it to the city.
While the ranking did acknowledge the high costs in the area, moving into the neighborhood comes at a price of roughly $1.2 million for an entry-level home.
Bethesda, Maryland

A diverse, well-educated, and welcoming community, Bethesda stood out as the #6 best place to live on the East Coast according to the ranking.
Similar to Alexandria, Bethesda was well-connected to the city without sacrificing its small-town charm. Plus, its quick access to some of the most gorgeous trails and parks in the area makes it a wonderful place to live for nature lovers who don’t want to abandon city life entirely.
According to the ranking, entry-level condos start at around $450,000, but affordable housing options are available to fit a wide range of housing needs.
Silver Spring, Maryland

Already known as one of the best places for families to live in the United States, it’s no shock to see Silver Spring pop up on this list of best places to live on the East Coast.
Ranked #9, Silver Spring is along the border of Northeast D.C., making it just a short drive or even metro ride into the District if necessary.
Additionally, despite its proximity to the District being similar to that of Alexandria, average housing prices in Maryland have been lower than in Virginia, meaning Silver Spring is a more desirable destination for many first-time homeowners.